Costa Rica Festivals and Celebrations​

February

San Isidro del General Fiestas

About 2 1/2 hours drive from San Jose, San Isidro de General is a wonderful little city in the Valle General. It is about 35km from the beach (Dominical) and during the first week of February hosts an agricultural fair along with flower exhibitions, Costa Rica style bullfights, traditional food and dance, and livestock competitions.

Nicoya Rodeo & Fiesta Patronal

Usually held in the beginning of February, this is a wonderfully fun event with typical tope (rodeo), Costa Rica bullfights, traditional food and dancing, music, and fireworks.

Mardi Gras in Esterillos

In mid-February, the small beach town of Esterillos hosts a Carnival that has a parade, traditional food and dance, music, and games for kids.

Carnival and Festival del Mar

Celebrations in both Quepos and Puntarenes that include street fairs, food, typical dance, and live music, and a beauty contest.

CENAC Summer Festival

The National Cultural Center in San Jose hosts free storytelling, theater, films, and other cultural activities and music. Held February 13-16.

Fiesta de los Diablitos

This is a stylized representation of the fight between the Boruca tribe and the Spanish held in Rey Curre, Boruca. Participants from the Boruca Indigenous tribe are decked out in traditional costume and masks and includes local food and fireworks.Held in late February.

Fiestas Liberia

Celebrates Guanacaste folklore and culture. It is a week of food, music, rides, and a focus on Guanacaste's unique heritage. The last week in February.

Carnaval Puntarenas

Held during the last week of the month, Carnival is a giant party with live music - both national and international acts, food, and lots of beer consumption. There are all kinds of activities including the crowning of the carnival queen.